The Continental System was the economic blockade that Napoleon used against Britain, started by the Berlin Decree of November 1806, which declared the British Isles in a state of blockade and forbade trade with them throughout French-controlled Europe. It followed the British naval victory at Trafalgar, which ended any prospect of an invasion, and it was meant to ruin British commerce and finances. Britain responded with its own blockade by sea, and the effects on the Continent included shortages, smuggling and resentment. The effort to enforce the system led Napoleon to intervene in Portugal and Spain, starting the Peninsular War, and to the break with Russia, which resumed trade with Britain and was invaded in 1812. The system collapsed as Napoleon's power fell in 1813 and 1814.
Before and after
- from 8 February 1806 to 18 July 1806Invasion of Naples
- 20 May 1806Birth of John Stuart Mill
- from 5 June 1806 to 9 July 1810Kingdom of Holland
- from 1 August 1806 to 11 December 1813Founding of Confederation of the Rhine
- from 21 November 1806 to 11 April 1814Rise of Continental System
- 26 December 1806Battle of Pułtusk
- from 1807 to 1815Duchy of Warsaw
- from 1807 to 1814Adriatic campaign of 1807–1814
- 1807Discovery of sodium
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This moment belongs to the Industrial era (1760 CE to 1914 CE), steam, factories and revolutions. You can also browse everything in the 19th century.